Perceptions of Health Promotion and Maintenance Among Latinos in Faith Communities.

Abstract

Faith communities provide a place for Latino congregants to discuss health information. A pilot study using focus groups and semistructured interviews explored how Latino faith community members define the meaning of health and examined their perceptions and attitudes surrounding health promotion and maintenance. Four themes emerged that reflect participants' health beliefs, with faith as a uniting force. Results support the faith community as a means of fostering health promotion for Latinos.